Precious Metal
To each Year 12 leader, her badge is something shiny, new and special. However, they represent a much stronger tie to traditions and values than perhaps they realise.
Birth order and siblings: Pop psychology or reality?
Birth order theories continue to be rigorously debated. Mrs Lyn Chakravorty, Head of Beanland House, asks if there is really something to birth order theory. Could new research about siblings help teachers gain a better understanding of their students’ personalities and academic performance; and what about the role of sisters?
The new information paradigm: Physical and digital resources to support scholarship
Brisbane Girls Grammar School has embarked on a new five-storey building to house twenty-first century library facilities and classrooms. Mrs Kristine Cooke, Director of Information Services, discusses how the new research centre will provide an integrated approach to information gathering — an approach that blends traditional systems and modern technologies to create an atmosphere that inspires scholarship.
The arts and twenty-first century skills
Across the education spectrum, the essential elements that are arts skills are appearing in academic theory and in practices beyond schooling. Director of Creative Arts Ms Lorraine Thornquist discusses the highlights of arts education theory and practice that are taking hold in these first decades of this century.
‘Growing up tethered’?
Current debate and research cautions parents about their teens constantly using mobile devices as a means of connection. Ms Sarah Boyle, Head of O’Connor House, advises adults to become informed and savvy in the developmental impacts of this new norm — and to learn how to effectively engage with it.
Growth through adversity
Friedrich Nietzsche’s ‘What does not kill me makes me stronger’ is an often-heard axiom. The ‘adversity hypothesis’ relates to people needing difficulties, trauma or setbacks in order to grow and develop as a person. School Psychologist Miss Lauren Phillips asks if this can be true; are stressors and challenges ‘good’ for us?
Mind the gap
Just as we struggle to make meaning of text without gaps between words, we struggle to make meaning of learning without the gaps in our day in which to ponder. Ms N Smith, Dean of Studies and Planning, encourages us all to find the space to draw breath in order to find meaning.
The times they are a-changin’
Change is the only constant in life. The year 2013 has already been one of great change, at Girls Grammar and on the national and international stage. How people adapt to change can mean the difference between failing to achieve goals and ambitions or growing and moving forward to learn from change.
Finding ways to find their way
Building a career is a personal and quite individual process that rarely begins with the collective end in mind. While identifying the path is the first step, the wholeness of the concept called ‘career’ is only fully appreciated upon reflection. Finding one’s way can be loosely described as an exercise in recognising seemingly random life experiences; seizing new opportunities; navigating unforeseen circumstances; and embracing emergent technologies. An ever evolving reflective compass directs the trekker’s path.
New Term’s resolutions
New Year is not the only time to make resolutions. In a school term assessment and the feedback it generates create the perfect opportunity to make a new beginning. There is much to be gained through thoughtful reflection and some carefully crafted and achievable New Term’s resolutions.